What are called “Extreme DUIs” in Arizona involve blood alcohol levels of 0.15% or higher. Extreme DUIs carry severe penalties including mandatory jail time, a suspended driver’s license, hefty fines, and the installation of an ignition interlock device. Dealing with the stressful legal system requires the skillful know-how and guidance of an experienced Scottsdale Drug DUI Attorney, like the Law Office of John Phebus. When searching for DWI law firms near you, start with our trusted legal team.
If you would like to discuss options on your case and how we can provide legal help, contact The Law Offices of John Phebus Criminal and Personal Injury Lawyer today
In Scottsdale, Arizona, an Extreme DUI is defined as operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15% or over. This is double the regular DUI limit of 0.08%. The state of Arizona takes Extreme DUI charges very seriously and imposes strict penalties to deter individuals from driving under the influence at such high levels.
The main difference between an Extreme DUI and a regular DUI charge in Scottsdale and throughout Arizona lies in the level of blood alcohol concentration. While a regular DUI involves a BAC of 0.08% or higher, an Extreme DUI, again, involves a BAC of 0.15% or higher. The penalties for being convicted of an Extreme DUI are more severe than those for a regular DUI, including longer periods of mandatory jail time and higher fines.
If convicted of an Extreme DUI in Scottsdale, the penalties include:
Please understand that these penalties may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case and any prior DUI convictions.
Yes, there are indeed mandatory jail times for Extreme DUIs throughout Arizona, including Scottsdale. If convicted, the minimum jail time is 30 days. However, depending on the circumstances of your case, the judge can impose a longer jail sentence, especially if there are aggravating factors present, such as multiple prior DUI convictions or accidents resulting in injury or death.
“At The Law Office of John Phebus, our personal injury and criminal defense attorneys have been representing clients in Glendale, Arizona for over 30 years. We focus on helping those who have suffered a catastrophic injury or are facing serious criminal charges.”
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John Allen Phebus
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As DUI attorneys in Scottsdale, AZ, these are some of the defense strategies we use for our clients:
Challenging the accuracy of breathalyzer results is a common defense strategy in Extreme DUI cases. Some ways that the best DUI attorneys in Scottsdale, Arizona, do this include:
As Scottsdale DUI defense attorneys, we can definitely educate you about the legal process for an Extreme DUI in Arizona. In some situations, DUI charges may even be elevated to felony DUI offenses, especially when prior convictions, serious injuries, suspended licenses, or child passengers are involved. These cases carry much harsher penalties and require an aggressive defense strategy.
The legal process for an Extreme DUI case generally includes:
During an arrest for Extreme DUI, you have rights protected by the U.S. Constitution and Arizona law. These rights include:
Preventing Extreme DUIs in Scottsdale requires responsible decision-making and awareness of the potential consequences. Here are some tips to help reduce Extreme DUIs:
In Scottsdale, there are several educational programs available to help people understand the risks of Extreme DUIs. These programs aim to create awareness and provide knowledge about the dangers of driving under the influence. Some of these educational programs include:
Attending these programs can not only provide valuable, life-saving information but also fulfill court-ordered requirements in the event of a DUI conviction.
When charged with an Arizona Extreme DUI, you deserve to have the guidance and representation of a DUI lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ. The Law Office of John Phebus is dedicated to providing the people of Scottsdale with the knowledgeable, compassionate legal representation you need to fight your charges and protect your rights. To speak to a savvy Scottsdale Extreme DUI lawyer now, contact our offices to schedule a free legal consultation and case review.
When you schedule your free consultation with a personal injury and accident lawyers in Arizona, you should come prepared with specific questions for us to address. Some of the common questions clients ask us are:
The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better! Contact a Scottsdale Extreme DUI attorney as soon as possible after being arrested. Time is of the essence to preserve evidence, gather witness statements, and build a strong defense strategy. The sooner you call your attorney, the better your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome and not incriminating yourself inadvertently.
When meeting with your DUI defense attorney in Scottsdale for the first time, bring any relevant documents or information related to your case. This includes:
Providing your attorney with all the necessary information will allow them to assess your case thoroughly and provide an accurate, fair evaluation.
In some cases, an Extreme DUI charge in Scottsdale can be reduced to a lesser offense, such as a regular DUI charge. This often depends on the specific circumstances of your case, your prior criminal record, and the negotiations between your defense attorney and the prosecutor. An experienced Scottsdale Extreme DUI attorney, such as the Law Offices of John Phebus, can explore all possible options to potentially minimize the penalties you face.
In Scottsdale, an Extreme DUI conviction will have long-term impacts on your driving record. These can include:
To understand the specific long-term impacts of your case and explore any potential ways to minimize these consequences, consult with a Scottsdale Extreme DUI attorney.
Having a prior DUI conviction can significantly affect a new Extreme DUI charge. The court will consider your prior convictions when determining the penalties for the current charge. In general, having a prior DUI will result in harsher penalties, including longer jail sentences, higher fines, and longer driver’s license suspensions. An experienced Scottsdale Extreme DUI lawyer can help protect your rights and develop the most effective defense strategy for your case.
Unfortunately, in Arizona, an Extreme DUI conviction cannot be expunged or removed from your criminal record. Once you’ve been convicted, it will remain on your criminal record permanently. This means that potential employers, professional licensing boards, rental property managers, school admissions officers, or anyone else conducting a background check will have access to this information.
The penalties for a second Extreme DUI conviction in Scottsdale, AZ, are significantly harsher compared to a first offense. You can face mandatory jail time of at least 120 days, fines and fees totaling thousands of dollars, a longer license suspension period, and mandatory alcohol counseling or treatment programs.
An SR-22 is a form that your auto insurance company files with the state’s Motor Vehicle Division to verify that you have the minimum required liability coverage. If you are convicted of an Extreme DUI, or any other crime that requires an SR-22, you must maintain this insurance filing for a specified period, typically three years. Failure to maintain the SR-22 can result in further consequences, such as suspended driving privileges.
In Arizona, someone can be charged with a DUI, even if they are not actually driving the vehicle. The law states that if a person is in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they can be arrested and charged with a DUI. If you were sound asleep in the backseat, it would be difficult for the prosecution to prove you were in control of the car. If the engine was running and you were slumped over driving into some bushes, it could be argued that you were in control of the vehicle.
Yes, certain medications can interfere with the accuracy of breathalyzer test results. Medications containing alcohol or substances that create a chemical reaction in the body can potentially trigger a false positive. Additionally, medical conditions like acid reflux or diabetes can affect the breathalyzer reading. If you believe your breathalyzer test results were inaccurate due to medication or a medical condition, let your attorney know to explore possible defenses relating to this.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Attorney John Phebus, who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at (623) 267-9283